A SWOT Analysis of E-Learning Integration in University of Cape Coast

Abstract

The advent of technology has opened the frontiers of education, especially with the introduction of electronic learning (e-learning) in the field of pedagogy. However, many institutions are still emerging in e-learning deployment and are faced with complex challenges despite the existing potential for the effective development of e-learning. This current study seeks to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to integrating e-learning for teaching purposes from the perspective of the academic staff of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey in which 102 teaching staff from UCC participated. Among the major perceived threats and weaknesses reported were; lack of capacities in terms of institutional facilities, academic staff competencies, fluctuation of internet connectivity, and inadequacy of computers. The strengths and opportunities of integrating e-learning in this context were reported in the participants understanding of the potential of e-learning in teaching and their willingness to undergo training for this purpose. The findings of the study reveal that transforming teaching and learning through e-learning innovations beyond rhetoric requires systematic efforts at the teacher and institutional levels as well as other stakeholders.